Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
  • A61J9/00—Feeding-bottles in general
  • A61J9/005—Non-rigid or collapsible feeding-bottles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
  • B65D1/02—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
  • B65D1/0223—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by shape
  • B65D1/023—Neck construction
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
  • B65D1/02—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
  • B65D1/0223—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by shape
  • B65D1/0292—Foldable bottles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D25/54—Inspection openings or windows
  • B65D25/56—Inspection openings or windows with means for indicating level of contents

Definitions

• This invention relates to a fluid container with a defoimable neck allowing the angle of the mouth of the container to be varied between two stable conditions, and is particularly concerned with feeding bottles for babies.
• a fluid container comprising a body having a neck and a mouth, said container being deformable from a first stable condition to a second stable condition, thereby to change the relative angle of said mouth.
• the container is deformable at the neck.
• the terms 'neck' defines a region immediately adjacent the mouth of the container.
• the container is reversibly deformable so as to permit return to the previous condition, if required.
• said neck defines in said first condition, a channel at one side, said channel being closed by approaching sidewalls thereof in said second condition.
• the channel is preferably arranged to ensure movement of said neck in a desired direction.
• the mouth can in use adopt one of two end positions.
• the mouth of the container In the first condition, the mouth of the container is in the conventional, generally upright, position, so the container can be filled easily; the container may be more suitable for transportation and storage as the container can have a more compact shape and so pack more efficiently.
• the neck and container In this condition the neck and container have a common axis of rotation.
• the mouth In the second position the mouth can be arranged at an angle to facilitate pouring or feeding; in this condition the axis of the mouth and container are not aligned. In the case of feeding a baby, the angle allows the feeder to adopt a more comfortable arm position.
• the fact that the mouth can be secured at an angle facilitates one-handed pouring or feeding. In the case of feeding babies, the second hand is available to support the baby.
• the neck remains flooded until a greater percentage of the contents have been dispensed.
• the change of container volume on movement from the first to the second condition is small, preferably less than 5%.
• said channel is V-shaped between an upper edge and a lower edge, preferably a non-regular V-shape so that the V comprises a long sidewall edge and a short sidewall edge.
• the channel is typically transverse to the upright axis of the container.
• the long sidewall and short sidewall meet in the bottom of the channel at an angle of between 50° and 90°, and more preferably at an angle of between 65° and 85°.
• the short sidewall is nearer the mouth of the bottle.
• the ratio of the width of the long sidewall to the short sidewall at the point of greatest depth is between 1.25 and 1.75, and more preferably between 1.40 and 1.60.
• the channel may extend around substantially more than half of the perimeter of said neck, preferably around substantially the whole of the perimeter of said neck.
• a channel which extends around the neck can be wide and thus may be better adapted to allow the sidewalls to approach.
• a wider channel allows a larger deflection angle to be obtained, and hence a greater degree of deformation.
• the width and depth of the channel increase to maximum values at a point at the centre of the length of the channel, and preferably the upper edge of the channel is at an oblique angle to the mouth.
• the channel is preferably symmetrical about an upright plane or upright axis of the container.
• the upper edge of the channel is preferably planar, and the lower edge is also preferably planar.
• More than one channel may be provided. This provides the possibility of one or more intermediate stable conditions, or for a large angular deformation without excessive depth of channel.
• the container is typically a mouldable resilient plastic, such as PET or polyethylene, and of a kind inherently adapted to retain shape in normal use so as, for example, to stand upright whether full or empty.
• the mouth of the container is closed by a film.
• the film preferably provides a hermetic seal, and may for example be a plastics/foil composite welded over the mouth and having a pull tab for removal thereof.
• Such a seal if attached with the neck in the first condition, allows the container to better resist vertical loads which may be imposed during stacking. Such loads tend to reduce the volume of the container, and are resisted as the contents come under pressure. In use removal of the seal eliminates such resistance, and deformation of the neck is possible. The seal also prevents movement to and from the second condition prior to dispensing of the contents, which may avoid fatigue of the container wall.
• a tight fitting closure such as a screw cap, can provide the same benefit
• the container is preferably a multi-layer plastic moulding having suitable oxygen and light barriers to avoid degradation of the contents. Other layers may provide colour and a taint barrier.
• the container may include a clear wall portion to allow the level of the contents to be determined.
• a panel may for example comprise a clear strip extending from the base to the neck, and 2-3 mm in width. A level gauge of this kind is useful in avoiding over-feeding of a baby.
• a clear container may have a sleeve placed thereon to provide an ultra-violet barrier.
• a sleeve may be readily printed with information about the container contents, and may include a clear wall portion to provide a level indicator.
• the sleeve may be over the deformable region of the container only.
• such a sleeve is shrink wrapped onto the container, and may also extend up and over the container closure to provide a tamper indicator.
• a suitable line of weakening allows the tamper indicator portion to be removed, thus allowing the container to be opened.
• Such a sleeve may also enhance stiffness of a container according to the invention, so as to better resist vertical loads during transit and storage. Removal of the sleeve or a portion thereof facilitates deformation from the first to the second condition in use.
• Fig. 1 is a view of a bottle from the side with the neck in the first condition
• Fig. 2 is a view of the bottle from the side with the neck of the bottle in the second condition, so that the mouth is angled;
• Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the channel in the neck of the bottle when the neck is in the first condition
• Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the channel in the neck of the bottle in the second condition; and Fig. 5 is a view of the bottle from the side in the second condition, with a Hd and teat fixed over the mouth of the bottle.
• the fluid container is a blow-moulded bottle 10 of 250 ml S volume for feeding a baby.
• the bottle 10 is made from plastic and comprises a body 12, mouth 14, with a neck 16 in between.
• the neck 16 defines a channel 18.
• the channel 18 extends around the whole perimeter of the neck 16.
• the upper edge 20 and lower edge 22 of the channel 18 are both planar and are at oblique angles to the mouth 14 of the bottle 10.
• the upper edge 20 is at an angle of 83° to the vertical and0 the lower edge 22 at an angle of 71° to the vertical (the vertical axis is indicated by a dashed line in Fig. 1).
• the width of the channel 18 therefore increases from a hinging region 24 to maximum value at a region 26 diametrically opposite the hinging region 24.
• the depth of the channel 18 is also at a minimum at the hinging region 24 and at a maximum at the region 26 diametrically opposite.
• the channel 18 is V-shaped, and is5 asymmetric by virtue of a long lower sidewall 28 and a short upper sidewall 30.
• the short sidewall 30 is nearest the mouth 14 of the bottle 10.
• a screw thread 32 is provided oh the mouth 14 of the bottle 10.
• the bottle 10 is filled with liquid and a screw cap (not shown) is applied for transport.
• a screw ring0 34 with a teat 36 is secured to the mouth 14 in place of the cap.
• Pressure is applied in the mouth region 14 of the bottle 10 above the region 26 at which the channel 18 is widest, causing the upper edge 20 to pivot towards the lower edge 22 about the hinge region 24.
• the relative angle of the mouth 14 is thus changed. Pressure is applied until a position is reached at which the sidewalls 28, 30 of the V "lock” so that the mouth is in a new stable position (see Fig. 4).
• the ability of the sidewalls 28, 30 to lock will depend on a combination of factors apparent to the skilled man, and including, for example, the ratio of the depth of the channel 18 to the diameter of the neck 16. Other factors to be considered are material thickness, material properties, the depth of the channel 18, the width of the channel 18, and the diameter of the neck 16. Empirical testing will allow determination of successful combination of properties according to the intended result. The following are examples of dimensions which could be used in a PET container. Neck 16 diameter: 45 mm Maximum channel 18 width: 1 lmm Maximum channel 18 depth: 6mm Length of long sidewall 28: 6mm Length of short sidewall 30: 9mm
• a bottle 10 for liquid baby feed is described, but a container according to the invention could be used for any pourable substance, for example a powder.
• a container according to the invention could be intended to be disposable or reusable. If it is intended to be reusable, plastic would be a suitable material for the bottle, as described in the present embodiment, The skilled man would be able to select a suitable grade of plastic to use. If the container was intended for single use, other materials could also be suitable. Although a plastic container is envisaged, it is possible that other materials, such as aluminium, would also be suitable.
• a cap with a teat for feeding is described for attachment of the bottle in the present embodiment
• a lid with a spout could be used instead, to create a feeding beaker arrangement.
• a handle or handles could also be provided on the body of the bottle.
• the body 12 of the bottle 10 is smooth, but texture could be provided, for example, ribs for grip or text or pictures for branding.
• the invention has been described in relation to a bottle having a channel which is closed to provide an angled neck.
• the channel could be opened to provide an angled neck, and such a construction may be particularly useful when significant vertical loads are likely in the first stable condition.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Closures For Containers (AREA)
• Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
• Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
• Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)

Priority Applications (10)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=39204205

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (16)

Families Citing this family (4)

Citations (7)

Family Cites Families (12)

• 2008
  • 2008-02-04 GB GB0802031A patent/GB2457099A/en active Pending
• 2009
  • 2009-02-03 WO PCT/EP2009/000696 patent/WO2009098023A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2009-02-03 CN CN2009801123345A patent/CN101990513B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2009-02-03 US US12/865,149 patent/US8794459B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2009-02-03 BR BRPI0908767-2 patent/BRPI0908767B1/pt active IP Right Grant
  • 2009-02-03 EP EP09709000A patent/EP2244950B1/en not_active Not-in-force
  • 2009-02-03 NZ NZ587112A patent/NZ587112A/xx not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2009-02-03 TW TW098103400A patent/TWI389682B/zh not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2009-02-03 CL CL2009000232A patent/CL2009000232A1/es unknown
  • 2009-02-03 CA CA2715051A patent/CA2715051C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2009-02-03 MX MX2010008534A patent/MX2010008534A/es active IP Right Grant
  • 2009-02-03 JP JP2010545393A patent/JP2011512174A/ja active Pending
  • 2009-02-03 MY MYPI2010003666A patent/MY153449A/en unknown
  • 2009-02-03 AU AU2009211847A patent/AU2009211847B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2009-02-04 AR ARP090100374A patent/AR071342A1/es not_active Application Discontinuation
• 2011
  • 2011-05-30 HK HK11105330.5A patent/HK1151268A1/xx not_active IP Right Cessation

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